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Piscotty makes right field debut in 'B' contest

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JUPITER, Fla. -- Stephen Piscotty, the No. 36 overall selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, showcased himself at his new position on Thursday, when he took his spot in right field during the Cardinals' morning 'B' game against the Marlins.

Drafted out of Stanford University as a third baseman, Piscotty learned of the organization's intention to convert him to the outfield after he wrapped up a 36-game stint as an infielder with Low Class A Quad Cities last summer.

"We always wanted to give him the opportunity to play third, but based on what we saw, we felt it made the most sense to make the outfield move now and get him accustomed to being out there," said farm director John Vuch. "We felt like his skills translate better to right field than third base. He runs well. He has a plus arm. He has a right-field caliber arm."

There was also a potential logjam to consider. Three of the Cardinals' first six Draft selections last summer were third basemen, and the organization was going to struggle to find assignments for all three at that position. Of the trio, Piscotty was the one deemed best suited for a transition.

While he could get some work in left field, eventually, Piscotty will focus on right field, for now. That's because the Cardinals believe he has a good enough arm to stick there long term.

"He was very positive about the change," Vuch said. "We talked to him when the season ended, so he prepared all offseason for becoming an outfielder."